Top 3 World's Largest Wheel Loaders

The top 3 world’s largest wheel end loaders, ranked on payload capacity, are as follows:

1. Komatsu P&H L-2350
Originally part of the portfolio of Texas-based manufacturer LeTourneau prior to the 2011 acquisition, the L-2350 is the world’s largest wheel loader. It has a massive 72.5 tonne payload capacity and stands at an imposing 6.7 metres tall. Its 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine has a rating up to 2,300 horsepower (hp) and its standard bucket has a 40.5 cubic metre (m3) capacity. This machine has a 272 tonne operating weight and was designed for centre loading ultra-class haul trucks with up to 400 tonne payload capacity during surface mining.

2. Komatsu P&H L-1850
Another machine previously under the LeTourneau banner, the L-1850 has a payload capacity of 54 tonnes. Used for centre loading trucks up to 360 tonnes, it has a 30.58 m3 bucket and an operating weight of 246 tonnes. Despite being the little brother to the L-2350, the 2,000 hp engine means the L-1850 still has plenty of grunt.

3. Komatsu WA1200-6
A Komatsu original machine, the WA1200-6 from 2011 is the upgraded version of the WA1200-3 which entered the market in 1999. Claimed as Komatsu’s largest and most productive wheel loader, it has an operating weight of 220.5 tonnes and a bucket capacity up to 35 m3. A major difference between this model and its predecessor is a more fuel-efficient, higher capacity engine with 1,765 hp rating.